Fabric treating machine with drive means to effect a tumble, distribution and extraction operation



March 9, 1965 c. w. BURKLAND FABRIC TREATING MACHINE WITH DRIVE MEANS TOEFFECT A TUMBLE DISTRIBUTION AND EXTRACTION OPERATION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed July 9, 1963 Figs! //VVE/VTOR CHARLES W. BURKLAND March 9, 1965 c.w. BURKLAND 3,172,278

FABRIC TREATING MACHINE WITH DRIVE MEANS TO EFFECT A TUMBLE DISTRIBUTIONAND EXTRACTION OPERATION Filed July 9, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I l l l I NK i k N l/vwslvrox? CHARLES W. BURKLAND flGENT United States PatentFABRIQ TREATENG MAEHENE WITH DililVE MEANS T0 EFFECT A TUMEEJE,DISTRIBU- TIQN AND EXTRACTEUN UPERATHQN Charles 'W. Burirland, Newton,Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation ofDelaware Filed July 9, 1963, Ser. No. 293,772. 7 Claims. (Ci. rig-12)This invention relates to washing machines and more specifically to adrive system for operating a substantially horizontal axis washingmachine at a plurality of speeds including tumble, distribution, andextraction speeds.

It is well-known in the art to provide a non-vertical axis washer orcombination washer-drier with the above mentioned three speeds ofoperation for achieving the most satisfactory laundry results. It hasalso been shown that a somewhat critical distribution speed is essentialfor arranging the materials in a substantially even loading about theinner periphery of the receptacle to insure a vibration-free, high speedextraction operation.

The actual distribution speed is dependent upon variables includingreceptacle size and load conditions. The variability with loadconditions imposes impossible requirements on many drive systems and ofnecessity results in the use of a single, substantially constantcompromise distribution speed.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a drive systemfor a non-vertical axis washing machine in which a varying distributionspeed is obtained by pulsing or cycling a two-speed motor between twoconditions of energization.

It is another object of this invention to provide a non-vertical axiswashing machine having a multispeed drive system in which a slowlyincreasing distribution speed is obtained by alternately energizing andde-energizing two sets of run windings of a two-speed drive motor.

it is a further object of this invention to provide a multispeed drivesystem for a non-vertical axis washing machine in which the clothesreceptacle is rotated at substantially constant tumble and extractionspeeds by a conventional two-speed electric motor and two-speedtransmission means and in which a slowly increasing distribution speedoperation is obtained by pulsing or cycling between the four-pole andsix-pole windings of the twospeed electric motor at predetermined timeintervals.

The present invention achieves the above objectives by a system whichincludes a conventional two-speed drive motor, alternately energized foreach of its two predetermined speeds for predetermined time intervals ofrelatively short duration, to attain a slowly accelerating distributionspeed. This slowly accelerating distribution speed insures that anoptimum distribution speed for a wide range of sizes and types of loadsis realized.

Further objects of the invention will become evident as the descriptionproceeds and from an examination of the accompanying drawings whichillustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and in which similarnumerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a rear elevational view of a combination washer-drier unitshown partially in section embodying the drive system of the presentinvention;

FIGURE 2 is a side-elevational view partially in section of thecombination washer-drier unit of FIGURE 1 and more specifically showingthe motor and two-spew transmission; and,

FIGURE 3 is an electrical schema-tic circuit showing electricalconnections to the drive system and controls related thereto.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, it will be seenthat the combination washer-drier unit embodying the present inventionand shown in these drawings includes a substantially fiat surfaced baseframe 10 mounted on legs 11. Mounted upon base frame 10 are the channelmembers 13 and 14- which are welded or securely afiixed in some suitablemanner to the base frame 10 to form the two major supports for thewasher-drier unit illustrated in the accompanying figures.

As seen in FIGURES l and 2, channel members 13 and 14 are substantiallytriangular in elevational configuration with the apex of these membersreceiving pivot pins 16 and 17. These pivot pins 16 and 17 support tubbrackets 21 and 22 to provide a two-point support for the tub or casingwhich is generally indicated by the arrow 2%. Tub 2 5 which is fastenedto brackets 21 and 22 may thus oscillate back and forth on pins 16 and17 in an arcuate movement in response to various forces generated withinthat tub.

Tub 2.4 is maintained in an upright position on pins 16 and 1'7 by twocentering springs 25 connected between tub 24 and base 1d through thespring connector brackets 26 fastened to the latter member. FIGURE 1shows the tub 24 as being provided with a damper bracket 28 which formsthe support for the damper leaf spring 29 carrying the damper pad 31 ina ball and socket joint at the end of damper spring 29. Base frame it isprovided with an upstanding damper plate 32 which is frictionallyengaged by the damper pad 31 for retarding oscillatory movement of tub24 by absorbing and dissipating the energy causing tub 24 to oscillateon the supporting pins 16 and 17.

Tub or casing 24 includes a generally cylindrical side wall 71, a pairof spaced rear walls 72 and 73 and a front wall 74. The front and outerrear walls 74 and '72, respectively, are connected to cylindrical sideWall '71 by means of the encompassing flanged hoop-like members '76while the partition wall 73 positioned between walls 72 and '74 iswelded to side wall '71. It will be seen from an inspection of FIGURE 2that the spaced rear walls 72 and 73 support the tub bearing assemblygenerally indicated by the reference numeral 80.

The tub bearing assembly 84) includes a spacer hub 81 which is locatedbetween and which abuts the rear walls '72 and 73, and a tubular clampmember 82 located concentrically within hub $1. Clamp member 12 isformed with a shoulder 85 at one end thereof and has a threaded portion84 at the other end thereof for receiving spanner clamp nut 83 which,when tightened on member 82, produces a rigid support with respect totub 24 for two bearings (not shown) one of which is located adjacenteach of walls '72 and 73 for support of receptacle drive shaft 89.

The rear end of the receptacle drive shaft 89 is rigidly connected tothe large drive pulley 91 whereas its front end is threaded into hub 4of the drum or clothes receptacle 95. Drum 95 includes a perforate rearwall 96 which is rigidly ailixed to and cooperates with the spiderlikemember 97 to form a double cone support connected to the hub 94 andproviding a rigid support for the clothes basket 95 on drum drive shaft89. A sealing member lill is biased against the rear surface of thisrevolvable hub structure 94 to prevent water from the tub 24 fromentering tub bearing assembly 80.

As apparent from FIGURE 2, the clothes drum 95 also includes a perforatecylindrical side wall 104 carrying clothes elevating vanes 105. Sidewall 104 merges into the short front wall 106 and joins the flanged rearwall 96 in an overlapping relationship to form a protruding flange 168which, while not touching wall 73, cooperates with that wall '73 to forman effective air barrier to prevent heated air entering tub 24 throughcylindrical side 3 wall 71 during the drying operations from being shortcircuited around the rear peripheral edge of drum 95.

Tub 24 is connected at its lower portion with a drain pump 112 whichcommunicates with an external drain for removing fluids from tub 24.

Tub 24 also includes a circular loading opening 117 which is encircledby the bellows seal 118 having its opposite end fastened to a similaropening formed in the cabinet 119 enclosing this combination unit.Sealing member 118 includes a number of convolutions 1'20 permittingmovement of tub 24 relative to cabinet 119. A rectangular door 121hinged on cabinet 119 carries a transparent glass door 122 having acylindrical portion extending rearwardly through the bellows seal 118which is provided with a flexible annular sealing lip 124 engageablewith the periphery of the glass door 122. This seals the unit whileenabling the operator of the machine to observe operations taking placewithin tub 24 during the washing and drying processes. The lamp 126fastened to the exterior of tub 24 shines through a transparent member127 carried in tub 24 for illuminating the interior of the machineduring the loading operations of the machine.

Tub 24 also includes a heater housing 131 which may be formed separatelyor as a part of the casing side wall and which supports a heatingelement (not shown) capable of radiating heat energy into tub or casing24 through an opening located in the cylindrical tub wall 71 and coveredby the heater housing 131. Heater housing 131 also mounts the thermostat133 which is connected in series with the heater.

The power to rotate the drum 95 through the large pulley 91 is appliedby the two-speed motor 137 mounted on bracket 138 carried on a lowerportion of tub 24. The two-speed motor 137 is operable at a speed ofapproximately 1725 revolutions per minute when its four-pole run winding135 is energized and operable at a speed of approximately 1150revolutions per minute when its six-pole run Winding 136 is energized.The output shaft of motor 137 is connected to a flexible universalcoupling 139 which is connected in turn to the transmission input shaft140 constituting an extension of the motor shaft.

A split pulley 141 having a pair of axially separable sheaves splined toeach other is rigidly connected to shaft 140 through one of its sheaves.The other sheave is constantly biased towards the shaft-connected sheaveby means of the compression spring 142 which encircles the shaftextension 140. This arrangement automatically regulates the tension inthe small belt 144 which drives the drain pump 11-2 whenever motor 137is energized.

Shaft extension 140 also drives the two-spaced transmission unit 145 andthe pulley 146 aflixed to the end of that portion of shaft 140 extendingcompletely through transmission 145. Transmission 145 is provided withan output pulley 147 which is drivingly connected to the large drumdrive pulley 91 through belt 148.

Since motor 137 is operable at two predetermined speeds and transmission145 is operable for two output speeds for each input speed, the drivesystem of the present embodiment may drive the clothes receptacle atfour substantially constant speeds. With solenoid 149 de-energized,transmission 145 is in the condition of maximum speed reduction fordriving receptacle 95 at speeds of 75 revolutions per minute and 50revolutions per minute corresponding to operation of motor 137 at speedsof 1725 revolutions per minute and 1150 revolutions per minuterespectively. Upon energization of solenoid 149, transmission 145 isoperable for driving clothes receptacle 95 at extraction speeds ofapproximately 300 revolutions per minute and at approximately 450revolutions per minute when motor 137 is operating at speeds of 1150revolutions per minute and 1725 revolutions per minute respectively.

The pulley 146 aflixed to the end of shaft 140 is connected to the fanpulley 151 through belt 152 for driving 4 pulley 151 at a speedapproximately equal to that of motor 137.

A combination transmission support and belt tensioning device isprovided by the slotted bracket 158 which is connected to the rear wall72 through the adjustable screws 159. Bracket 158 journals shaftallowing transmission unit to pivot freely around the bearing receivingthat latter shaft. By use of the adjustable screws 159, the transmissionunit 145 and its mounting bracket 158 may be moved away from the fanpulley 151 and the slack taken out of belt 152. The slack isautomatically taken out of the tumbler drive belt 148 by means of thecompression spring 161 mounted between bracket 158 and the transmissionunit 145 and tending to pivot the transmission 145 downwardly and in aclockwise direction around shaft 140. The tension in the drain pump belt144 is automatically maintained during these adjustments by means of thespring biased split pulley 141.

Though not shown in this embodiment, a conventional unbalance controlsystem may be provided for controlling operation of the machine duringthe extraction op eration to eliminate the possibility of walking of themachine or damage thereto resulting from forces that may be generatedduring the extraction operation.

A combination blower condenser unit capable of moving air through tub24, scrubbing lint, and condensing out moisture from hot vapors producedwithin casing 24 during the drying operations, is positioned in thecompartment formed by and between portions of the spaced Walls 72 and73.

The compartment for the blower condenser unit is pro duced bycooperation of walls 7-2 and 73 with an imperforate scroll-shaped sidewall 166 shown by dotted lines in FIGURE 1 which bridges the spacebetween walls 72 and 73 to enclose the vapor condenser and blower unit.Water is directed towards the impeller (not shown) and the action of therotating impeller upon the stream of water produces a cool mist sprayand fog for condensing out hot moisture vapors entering the blowercondenser unit during the drying operation of this combination machine.

The impeller (not shown) positioned behind plate 163 is driven by blowerpulley 151. Plate 163 is bolted to the rear wall 72 of tub 24 andprovides convenient access to the blower housing.

The water for the vapor condensing operation is supplied through theexternal conduit 172 and is directed into the condenser unit by conduit171. Water for the washing operation is supplied through the conduit 173which empties into cup 174 provided with a flapper check valve 175 anddraining into tub 24 between walls 73 and 74. Flapper valve 175 not onlyprevents suds from escaping from tub 24 during the Washing operation butalso prevents steamy vapors from escaping from the washing and dryingchamber of tub 24 and condensing on the cooler interior surfaces ofcabinet 119.

As previously indicated, it is well-known within the laundry applianceindustry to provide a plurality of speeds of operation in non-verticalaxis washing machines and washer-drier combination units. These speedsor velocities include a tumble speed for accomplishing the washingaction, a distribution speed for arranging the fabrics in asubstantially even pattern around the inner periphery of the washingreceptacle, and at least one relatively high speed for accomplishingfluid extraction.

As previously shown, motor 137 and transmission 145 cooperate in thepresent embodiment to provide the tumbling velocity, a relatively lowfluid extraction velocity, an intermediate extraction velocity, and arelatively high extraction velocity.

A range of receptacle velocities between the tumble velocity and the lowextraction velocity, for distributing the fabrics in a substantiallyeven pattern around the inner periphery of the Washing receptacle, isobtained by vmatically in FEGURE 3.

pulsing or cycling energization of the two-speed motor between its tworunning conditions under control of a timing device. Referring to FIGURE3, an electrical schematic diagram shows the components and circuitry ofone embodiment for achieving the desired cycling. The position of theswitches and timer contacts in FIGURE 3 is shown in their position at apoint in the cycle of operations near the end of a tumble operation andimmediately prior to a distribution operation.

Provided across power lines L and L is conventional 110 volt 60 cyclealternating current for operating the electrical devices. Included inthe electrical circuit of FIGURE 3 is the start winding 1% ofconventional twospeed motor 137 in series connection with startcapacitor 181. Start winding 181) is effectively connected across powerlines L and L in a parallel relationship to tourpole run winding 135 andsix-pole run Winding 136. In series with start winding 18% iscentrifugal switch 183 for interruptting current to start winding 180 ata predetermined motor speed. Centrifugal switch 183 is linked withswitch 184 for operating switch 184 from contact 1% to contact 186 uponopening of centrifugal switch 183. Switch 1554 is made to contact 185during periods of energization of start Winding 130 for insuringenergization of tour-pole run winding 135 during the starting operation.

Controls for pulsing or cycling energization of motor 137 between runwindings 135 and 136 are shown sche- An auxiliary timing means, such astiming motor 1&9, is provided for advancing cams 19%, 191, and 192 tooperate switches 194, 195, and 1% respectively. Cam members 1%, 191, and192 are provided with rises or lifts for operating the switches atpredetermined time intervals.

Switch member 1% effects selective energization of run windings 13S and1%. Switch 194- is actuated to a first position by rises on cam 199 forcompleting a circuit to six-pole run winding 136 through contact 199 andis biased to a second position at locations of recesses in cam 19% forcompleting a circuit to four-pole run winding 135 through contact 1%.Switch member 195 is biased to a first position for completing a circuitto contact member 2110 and is actuated by a rise 262 on cam 191 to asecond position for completing a circuit to solenoid 149 through contact2111. Switch member 196 is a singlepole, single-throw switch, actuatableby cam member 192, for completing a circuit to timing motor 189 atpredetermined positions in the cycle of operations to reset the pulsingsystem.

A conventional primary timing mechanism (not shown) having cam operatedswitches, for example, is provided for controlling sequential operationof the combination washer-drier through a predetermined series ofoperations. The switches of the timer mechanism include contacts'203,204, and 2515 for controlling operation of the pulsing system. Contacts203, 2114 are closed during fluid extraction portions of the cycle ofoperations for energizing auxiliary timing motor 189. Motor 189 thendrives cams 1911, 191, and 192 for cycling 7 energization of motor 137between run winding 135 and run winding 136 to etfect a slowlyaccelerating distribution velocity at the beginning of or immediatelyprior to each fluid extraction operation. Timer contacts 2114, 205 areclosed during tumble operations for energizing timing motor 189 inseries with reset switch 196 to return the pulsing system to its off orstart position. Also included are contacts 2%, 2117 which are optionallyactuatable to a closed position at selected times in the cycle ofoperations, either manually or by the timer mechanism, for completing acircuit to timing motor 189. When so actuated, timing motor 189 advancescam member 1% from rise 216 to recess 217 for allowing switch 194 tooperate to the biased poistion to complete a circuit through contact 198and energize run winding 135 for high speed spin operation.

This circuit including the auxiliary timing motor, cams and switches,comprises a motor pulsing system operable for effecting a slowlyaccelerating distribution speed by rapidly cycling energization of thetwo-speed motor between the two run windings. This distribution speedoperation follows tumble operations and precedes extraction operationsand is initiated at these predetermined posi tions in the cycle ofoperations by the timer mechanism as explained hereinabove.

To review, the position of the pulsing system switches and timercontacts near the end of the tumble operation and immediately prior tothe pulsing operation are as foliows: switch 194 is actuated to close acircuit to contact 199; switch 195 is biased to complete a circuit tocontact 2%; switch 196 is biased to the open position; timer contacts204, 265 are closed; and contacts 206, 2&7 are open. Also switch 184 isclosed to contact 186. The motor is thus operating at its slow speed andthe receptacle is rotating at a tumble velocity.

At a predetermined position in the cycle of operations, such as at thecompletion of the tumble operation, timer contact 2114 is closed tocontact 2113 for initiating the pulsing operation and thus thedistribution operation. Upon closing of timer contacts 2%3, 2114,auxiliary timing motor 1&9 is energized by a circuit between power linesL and L including line 210, switch 195 made to contact 2119, and timercontacts 2%, 2134. Upon energization of timing motor 139, cams 190, 1%1,and 192 are driven at a slow timing speed of 6 revolutions per minute,for example, for actuating switches 1%, 195, and 196 to control thepulsing operation.

As cam 11% advances, switch 194 is cycled between its first actuatedposition made to contact 1519 and its second biased position made tocontact 1%. In this embodiment, rises on cam 191i maintain switch 194-actuated to contact 1% for periods of approximately three-tenths of onesecond and recesses allow switch 1% to make to contact 1% for periodsapproximately two-tenths of one second. Cam 1% proceeds to cycle switch194 between its first position and its second position for a period ofapproximately 7 /2 seconds during which time the motor is alternatelyenergized for acceleration to or operation at each of its twopredetermined speeds. Energization of motor 137 for acceleration towardsits predetermined speed of 1150 revolutions per minute is accomplishedby a circuit from L through line 2111, switch 194 made to contact 199,switch 134 made to contact 186, to one side of six-pole run winding 13%.The other side of run winding 13 6 is connected to power line L throughthermoprotector 212 and line 213. Motor 137 is energized through itsfour-pole run winding 135 for acceleration towards 1725 revolutions perminute by a circuit from power line L through line 2111, switch 194 madeto contact 198, and through line 215 to one side of fourpole run winding1.35. The other side of run winding 135 is connected to power line Lthrough thermoprotector 212 and line 213.

in the present embodiment, the energization of motor 137 for operationat the first and second speeds for periods of two-tenths of one secondand three-tenths of one second, respectively, permits the motor to firstacelerate an increment to a momentary higher speed and to deceleratc asmaller increment therefrom to a lower momentary speed for effecting anet increase. Both acceleration and deceleration rates are dependentupon various factors including the loading within receptacle and voltageto the motor. However, with the instant structure and within areasonable range of loading thereof, the two-tenths of one second andthree-tenths of one second time increments of alternating energizationare sufiicient and proper for achieving the desired slow acceleration ofreceptacle 95.

This time controlled pulsing of motor 137 will provide a period of slowacceleration from the motor operating speed of 1150 revolutions perminute toward the operating 'Z speed of 1725 revolutions per minute.These speeds correspond to clothes receptacle speeds of approximately 50revolutions per minute and 75 revolutions per minute .when solenoid 149is maintained in the de-encrgized condition.

Upon completion of approximately 7 /2 seconds of pulsing betweenfour-pole energization and six-pole energization, recess 219 of cam 190will allow operation of switch 194 to close to contact 198 formaintaining four pole run winding 135 energized for a period ofapproximately one-half second to insure operation of motor 137 at itsupper operating speed of 1725 revolutions per minute for effectingrotation of drum 95 at 75 revolutions per minute prior to energizingspin solenoid 149 for the extraction operation.

Upon completion of the one-half second operation of motor 137 onfour-pole energizatin, rise 202 or" cam 191 will eifect operation ofswitch 195 to open at contact 200 and close to contact 201. Atsubstantially the same time, rise 216 of cam 190 will close switch 194to contact 199. Opening of switch 195 at contact 200 will de-energizeauxiliary timing motor 189 for terminating the pulsing operation.Closing of switch 194 to contact 199 will de-energize run winding 135and energize run winding 136 for allowing motor 137 to decelerate from1725 revolutions per minute to the lower speed of 1150 revolutions perminute. Closing of switch 195 to contact 201 will complete a circuit tospin solenoid 149 for shifting transmission 145 to a high output speedcondition and effecting an increase in receptacle speed from 75revolutions per minute to 300 revolutions per minute for the extractionoperation. Spin solenoid 149 is energized by a circuit between powerlines L and L which includes line 210, and switch 195 made to contact201.

The high extraction speed of 450 revolutions per minute drum speed maybe obtained by closing contacts 206, 207 for re-energizing advance motor189 to advance cam 190 so that recess 217 permits switch 194 to open atcontact 199 and close to contact 198. Opening of switch 194- at contact199 will de-energize timing motor 189 and run winding 136. Switch 194remains in its biased position as a result of recess 217 for completinga circuit through contact 198 to energize run winding 135 for motoroperation at 1725 revolutions per minute.

The pulsing system is reset to the o or start position during the firsttumble operation occurring after each distribution operation duringwhich the pulsing system was operative. Cam 192 maintains switch 196closed during all positions of the pulsing system except at thatposition of recess 208 which corresponds to the off position. Uponinitiation of a tumble operation, timer contact 204 closes to 205 andcompletes a circuit for energizing timing motor 189. The pulsing systemincluding auxiliary cams 190, 191 and 192 is thereby advanced to theposition at which recess 208 permits switch 196 to open and de-energizetiming motor 189. In this off or start position, switch 194 is made tocontact 199, switch 195 is made to contact 200, and switch 196 is open.

In summary, operation of this invention for providing the desired speedsof operation including a slowly accelerating distribution speed is bestunderstood by considering operation of the motor through a full sequenceof operations. Upon initial energization of the machine for the firsttumble portion of the cycle, switch 194 is in the position closed tocontact 199 or is immediately actuated to that position by the automaticreset system explained hereinabove, centrifugal switch 183 is closed,and switch 184 is made to contact 185 for energizing start winding 180and four-pole run winding 135 in a parallel relationship. With runwinding 135 and start winding 180 energized, motor 137 will beaccelerated at a rate depending upon variables including voltage acrosslines L and L and size of the load carried by receptacle 95. At a givenspeed of operation, centrifugal switch 183 will open to deenergize runwinding 180 and to operate switch 184 to close to contact 186 forde-energizing four-pole run winding and energizing six-pole run winding138. Receptacle 95 is then driven for a predetermined period of time ata tumble speed of approximately 50 revolutions per minute with motor 137energized through six-pole run winding 136 and operating at a speed ofapproximately 1150 revolutions per minute.

At completion of the tumble operation and prior to the desired beginningof the fluid extraction operation, timer contact 20 2 is opened fromcontact 205 and closed to contact 203 for energizing auxiliary timingmotor 189 by a circuit which includes switch 195 made to contact 200.Upon energization of auxiliary timing motor 189, cam 190 is advanced ata slow timing speed. Rises or lifts on cam 190 provide a timed switchingprogram for operating switch member 194 between contacts 198 and 199 tomaintain each of the run windings energized for predetermined periods oftime necessary to cause motor 137 to have a net acceleration from itslower operating speed of 1150 revolutions per minute to its higheroperating speed of 1725 revolutions per minute. These motor speedscorrespond to container speeds of 50 revolutions per minute and 75revolutions per minute respectively with solenoid 119 de-energized. Atcompletion of approximately 8 seconds of auxiliary timing motoroperation, switch 194 is actuated to close to contact 199 for energizingmotor 137 for operation at 1150 revolutions per minute and switch 195 isoperated to close to contact 201 for interrupting energization ofauxiliary timing motor 189 and for energizing spin solenoid 149. Uponenergization of solenoid 149, transmission is actuated into position fordriving receptacle 95 at a fluid extraction speed of approximately 300revolutions per minute.

After a predetermined period of spin at 300 revolutions per minute, inthis specific embodiment contact 206 is closed to 207 for re-energizingauxiliary motor 189 to advance cam to a position at which recess 217allows switch 194 to operate for closing to contact 198, thusdeenergizing auxiliary timing motor 189 and six-pole run winding 136 andenergizing four-pole run winding 135 to drive receptacle 95 at the highspin speed of approximately 450 revolutions per minute. The fluidextraction operation may include a series of distribution operations andextraction operations for best fluid extraction results. The fluidextraction operation may, of course, be followed by an additionaltumbling operation as in the combination washer-drier, with heat on fordrying the fabrics.

It is thus seen that the present invention provides a washing machine orcombination washer-drier in which a slowly accelerating distributionspeed is obtained by alternately energizing and de-energizing the tworun windings of a two-speed motor. This slowly accelerating distributionspeed insures an optimum distribution speed for a wide range of sizesand conditions of clothes loads.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed,these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Changes in form and proportion of parts, as wellas the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstancesmay suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit orscope of this invention as further defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a fabric treating machine having receptacle means rotatable abouta non-vertical axis and operable through a sequence of operationsincluding tumble, distribution, and extraction operations, thecombination comprising: drive means including an electric drive motoroperable at a first speed and a second higher speed; said drive meansbeing operable for rotating said receptacle means at a plurality ofvelocities including a tumble velocity and a relatively slow extractionvelocity; means for energizing said motor for operation at said firstspeed for efiecting rotation of said receptacle at said tumble velocity;and

motor pulsing means operative during said distribution operation forenergizing said motor alternately for acceleration toward said secondspeed and for deceleration toward said first speed at predetermined timeintervals to efiect slow acceleration of said receptacle from saidtumble velocity to said relatively slow extraction velocity.

2. In a fabric treating machine having receptacle means rotatable abouta non-vertical axis and operable through a sequence of operationsincluding tumble, distribution, and extraction operations, thecombination comprising: drive means including an electric drive motoroperable at a first speed and a second higher speed; said drive meansbeing operable for rotating said receptacle means at a plurality ofvelocities including a tumble velocity and a relatively slow extractionvelocity; and circuit means including motor pulsing means operativeduring said distribution operation for cyclically energizing said motorfor said second speed and said first speed to alternately effect anincrement of speed change toward said second speed and to effect asmaller increment of speed change therefrom toward said first speedwhereby said receptacle means is slowly accelerated from said tumblevelocity to said relatively slow extraction velocity for distributingmaterial contained therein.

3. In a washing machine having receptacle means rotatable about anon-vertical axis and operable through a sequence of operationsincluding tumble, distribution and extractor operations, the combinationcomprising: an electric drive motor operable at a first speed and at asecond higher speed; transmission means driven by said motor operablefor rotating said receptacle means at a plurality of velocitiesincluding a tumble velocity and a relatively low extraction velocity;and circuit means including pulsing means operative during saiddistribution operation, said pulsing means having switch means andtiming means co'operable therewith for rapidly cycling energization ofsaid motor to alternately effect an increment of acceleration towardsaid second speed and an increment of deceleration toward said firstspeed at predetermined intervals of time, said increments ofacceleration and deceleration having a relationship of net accelerationto effect slow acceleration of said receptacle means from said tumblevelocity to said relatively slow extraction velocity, said circuit meansfurther having means for de-energizing said timing means and initiatingsaid extraction operation upon completion of said distributionoperation.

4. In a washing machine having receptacle means rotatable about anon-vertical axis and operable through a sequence of operationsincluding tumble, distribution and extraction operations, thecombination comprising: an electric drive motor having a first runwinding and a second run winding individually energizable foraccelerating said motor to a first speed and to a second higher speed;transmission means driven by said motor operable for rotating saidreceptacle means at a plurality of velocities including a tumblevelocity and a relatively slow extraction velocity; and circuit meansfor energizing said first run winding and operating said motor at saidfirst speed to effect rotation of said receptacle at said tumblevelocity, said circuit means having pulsing means operative during atleast one predetermined portion of said sequence of operations andincluding means for cyclically energizing said motor between said firstrun winding and said second run winding for relatively shortpredetermined intervals of time, said motor being responsive to saidcyclical energization for efiecting a speed change toward said secondspeed and a smaller speed change toward said first speed whereby saidreceptacle means is slowly accelerated from said tumble velocity to saidlow extraction velocity.

5. In a washing machine as defined by claim 4 wherein said circuit meansfurther includes means for deenergizing said pulsing means andinitiating said extraction operation after a predetermined time durationcomprising said distribution operation.

6. In a washing machine operable through a cycle of operations includingtumble, distribution, and extraction operations and having a receptaclerotatable about a non-vertical axis, the combination comprising: primarytiming means for controlling said washing machine through said series ofoperations; an electric drive motor having first and second run windingsindividually energizable for selective operation of said motor foracceleration to and operation at a first speed and a second higherspeed; transmission means driven by said motor and selectively operablefor rotating said receptacle at a plurality of substantially constantvelocities including a tumble velocity and at least one extractionvelocity; transmission control means optionally energizable foractuating said transmission means to vary output velocity thereof; firstcircuit means having first switch means operable to a first position forenergizing said first run winding and operable to a second position forenergizing said second run winding; second circuit means includingsecond switch means and auxiliary timing means, said second circuitmeans being energizable by said primary timing means for initiating saiddistribution operation; first cam means driven by said auxiliary timingmeans for effecting cyclical operation of said first switch meansbetween said first and second positions to alternately energize saidfirst and econd run windings individually for predetermined intervals oftime, said motor being responsive to said cyclical energization foralternately effecting an increase in speed of said receptacle andeffecting a smaller decrease in speed of said receptacle to slowlyaccelerate said receptacle from said tumble velocity to a low extractionvelocity during said distribution operation; and second cam means drivenby said auxiliary timing means for actuating said second switch means tode-energize said auxiliary timing means and energize said transmissioncontrol means for initiating said extraction operation, said firstswitch means being selectively operable to said first and said secondpositions for effecting rotation of said container at an intermediateextraction velocity and a relatively high extraction velocityrespectively.

7. In a washing machine operable through a cycle of operations includingtumble, distribution, and extraction operations and having a receptaclerotatable about a non-vertical axis, the combination comprising: primarytiming means for controlling said washing machine through said series ofoperations; an electric drive motor having first and second run windingsindividually energizable for selective operation of said motor foracceleration to and operation at a first speed and a second higherspeed; triansmission means driven by said motor for rotating saidreceptacle at a plurality of substantially constant velocities includinga low tumble velocity, a low extraction velocity and a plurality ofhigher extraction velocities; transmission control means optionallyenergizable for actuating said transmission means to deliver said higherextraction velocities; first circuit means having first switch meansoperable to a first position for energizing said first run winding andoperable to a second position for energizing said second run winding,said first switch means being maintained in said first position duringsaid tumble operation for energizing said first run winding to operatesaid motor at said first speed for effecting rotation of said receptacleat said tumble velocity; second circuit means including second switchmeans and auxiliary timing means, said second circuit means beingenergizable by said primary timing means at the completion of saidtumble operation; first cam means driven by said auxiliary timing meansfor efiecting rapid cyclical operation of said first switch meansbetween said first and second positions to alternately energize andde-energize said first and second run windings for relatively shortpredetermined intervals of time, said motor being responsive to saidrapid cyclical energization for alternately increasing output speed anincrement and decreasing output speed less than said increment to effectslow acceleration of said receptacle from said tumble velocity to said10W extraction velocity during said distribution operation; second cammeans driven by said auxiliary timing means for actuating said secondswitch means to de-energize said auxiliary timing means and energizesaid transmission control means for initiating said extractionoperation, said first switch means being further responsive to saidfirst cam means upon initiation of said extraction operation forenergizing said first run winding to effect acceleration of said motorto said first speed for efiecting rotation of said receptacle at asecond intermediate extraction velocity; selectively actuatable meansfor causing said motor to be accelerated to said second speed forefiecting rotation of said receptacle at a third relatively highextraction velocity.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,477,862 Barr Dec. 18, 1823 2,760,639 Haverstock Aug. 28, 19562,881,633 Warhus Apr. 14, 1959 2,981,089 Neyhouse et a1. Apr. 25, 19613,055,203 Toma Sept. 25, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 829,292 Great Britain Mar.2, 1960 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,172,278 March 9, 1965 Charles W. Burkland It is hereby certified thaterror appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and thatthe said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 3, line 51, for "two-spaced" read twospeed column 5, line 73, for"poistion" read posltlon Signed and sealed this 27th day of July 1965.

SEAL) \ttest:

ERNEST W, SWIDER' EDWARD J. BRENNER kttesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,172 ,278 March 9, 1965 Charles W. Burkland It is hereby certified thaterror appears in the above numbered pat ent requiring correction andthat the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 3, line 51, for "two-spaced" read -iwo-speed column 5, line 73,for "poistion" read posltlon Signed and sealed this 27th day of July1965.

SEAL) ERNEST W. SWIDER' EDWARD J. BRENNER \ttesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. IN A FABRIC TREATING MACHINE HAVING RECEPTACLE MEANS ROTATABLE ABOUTA NON-VERTICAL AXIS AND OPERABLE THROUGH A SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONSINCLUDING TUMBLE, DISTRIBUTION, AND EXTRACTION OPERATIONS, THECOMBINATION COMPRISING: DRIVE MEANS INCLUDING AN ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOROPERABLE AT A FIRST SPEED AND A SECOND HIGHER SPEED; SAID DRIVE MEANSBEING OPERABLE FOR ROTATING SAID RECEPTACLE MEANS AT A PLURALITY OFVELOCITIES INCLUDING A TUMBLE VELOCITY AND A RELATIVELY SLOW EXTRACTIONVELOCITY; MEANS FOR ENERGIZING SAID MOTOR FOR OPERATION AT SAID FIRSTSPEED FOR EFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID RECEPTACLE AT SAID TUMBLE VELOCITY;AND MOTOR PULSING MEANS OPERATIVE DURING SAID DISTRIBUTION OPERATION FORENERGIZING SAID MOTOR ALTERNATELY FOR ACCELERATION TOWARD SAID SECONDSPEED AND FOR DECELERATION TOWARD SAID FIRST SPEED AT PREDETERMINED TIMEINTERVALS TO EFFECT SLOW ACCELERATION OF SAID RECEPTACLE FROM SAIDTUMBLE VELOCITY TO SAID RELATIVELY SLOW EXTRACTION VELOCITY.